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RECREATIONAL anglers and commercial fishermen have been warned to steer clear of Moreton Bay in the wake of recent devastating floods.

While trawler operators and boaties have been told debris floating in the bay could present a danger to their safety, health officials said people should also avoid catching and eating any seafood from the area.

The warning to recreational anglers came from Sunfish Australia and followed similar advice from Queensland Health that the bay's waters might be contaminated by pesticides and sewage washed out in the flood.

A navy mine hunter, the HMAS Huon, spent several days in the waters off Caloundra last week using underwater cameras and sensors to scan for debris washed out from the Brisbane River to help clear items, particularly from shipping channels just off the Coast.

Sunfish executive officer Judy Lynne said that until the health department and Fisheries Queensland advised that it was again safe to eat seafood – especially fish, prawns, crabs or oysters – recreational anglers should avoid consuming any seafood products sourced from the waters in and around Moreton Bay.

That included rivers and creeks that had tidal flows which intermingled with Moreton Bay or the Brisbane River, she said.

Queensland Health officials were taking samples for testing and would provide updates.

“Boat users are advised to take care and avoid, where possible, the waters in and around the Brisbane River and the flood plume within Moreton Bay, due to possible submerged obstacles,” Ms Lynne said.

“If it is necessary to traverse these areas, please take extreme caution, travel only in daylight and reduce your speed.”

A joint statement by seafood industry groups yesterday also advised commercial fishermen to avoid the bay.

“The commercial fishing industry is strongly recommending to all commercial fishermen to not fish in the areas most impacted by the flood run-off,” a statement said.

That recommendation would remain in place until at least January 31. Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin welcomed the “sound decision” by the seafood industry.

“Anecdotal evidence from 1974 suggests the plume will dissipate in a few weeks and marine species will return to the area,” he said.

The worst affected area of Moreton Bay stops just north of the Caboolture River.